In a significant and somewhat unexpected turn within the professional boxing landscape, Chantelle Cameron, known affectionately as `Il Capo`, has been officially crowned the WBC Super-lightweight World Champion for the second time in her illustrious career. This re-ascension to the summit comes not from a grueling 12-round contest, but through an intriguing administrative development: the decision by legendary fighter Katie Taylor to vacate her title.
Cameron`s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Her initial capture of world honors dates back to 2020, when she outpointed Adriana Dos Santos Araujo to claim her first WBC super-lightweight title. This victory set the stage for a dominant run that saw her unify the division, eventually defending her undisputed status against none other than Katie Taylor in an historic bout in 2023. That night, Cameron etched her name into the record books as the first boxer to inflict a professional defeat upon the Irish icon. Six months later, however, the narrative shifted, as Taylor delivered a masterclass in their rematch, reclaiming her supremacy and dethroning Cameron.
The Vacancy: Katie Taylor`s Pivotal Decision
Following her decisive victories over pound-for-pound superstar Amanda Serrano, many in the boxing world speculated on a potential rubber match between Taylor and Cameron, given their current 1-1 rivalry. However, Taylor, citing “personal matters,” recently informed the WBC of her intention to vacate her Super-lightweight belt. The WBC, acknowledging her status, granted her the designation of “Champion in Recess” – a recognition that allows a titleholder to step away temporarily while retaining the privilege to challenge for their former title upon their return, should they choose.
An Uncontested Coronation: The Belt Finds Its Way Home
Initially, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had indicated that the vacant super-lightweight belt would be contested between Cameron and Derby-based welterweight Sandy Ryan. This announcement set the stage for what promised to be an enthralling encounter to determine the division`s new queen. Yet, in a swift and unanticipated development, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), with whom Cameron signed in May, revealed that `Il Capo` had instead been directly elevated to full WBC Super-lightweight World Champion status.
This decision, while undoubtedly welcome news for Cameron and her team, bypassed the anticipated fight for the vacant title. It`s a curious turn, where the path to a world championship, for once, didn`t require an immediate physical confrontation. One might observe with a touch of irony that sometimes, a champion`s greatest battles are fought not in the ring, but in the corridors of boxing administration. The specifics behind Sandy Ryan`s exclusion from the immediate title picture, or whether she remains the prime challenger for Cameron`s first defense, are currently awaiting clarification.
MVP`s Endorsement and What Lies Ahead
Most Valuable Promotions wasted no time in celebrating their fighter`s renewed status, issuing a statement that read:
“Chantelle Cameron rises to the throne! The new WBC Super Lightweight World Champion, following Katie Taylor’s move to Champion in Recess. Chantelle Cameron continues to blaze a trail in women’s boxing, and we look forward to delivering her next fight for you all… MVP is thrilled to support Chantelle as she moves forward as a two-time world champion. We are committed to delivering electrifying events that showcase her reign and the best of women’s boxing.”
Cameron`s re-elevation as a two-time world champion solidifies her position as a formidable force in women`s boxing. Her journey, marked by perseverance, historic victories, and now an unforeseen but entirely deserved restoration, speaks volumes about her enduring quality. The division now awaits Cameron`s next move, with a new reign beginning under circumstances that are as unique as her fighting spirit. The question of who will be the first challenger to `Il Capo`s` second reign at the WBC super-lightweight pinnacle promises to ignite fresh interest and set the stage for another thrilling chapter in her distinguished career.
